LONDON (13 July 2022) – Skydance Animation today announced it has partnered with global technology provider Fabacus to launch global consumer rewards activations through their licensed products for Apple Original Films’ “Luck” and “Spellbound,” in a deal brokered by IMG.
The first feature film, “Luck,” starring Eva Noblezada, Simon Pegg, Jane Fonda and Whoopi Goldberg debuts August 5 on Apple TV+ and centres around the story of Sam Greenfield, the unluckiest person in the world. When she discovers the never-before-seen Land of Luck, she must unite with the magical creatures there to turn her luck around.
Fabacus’ proprietary technology will enhance the audience experience and allow Skydance Animation to engage with fans of the two feature films on a one-to-one basis through codes on licensed products and merchandise, which unlock a host of rewards and experiences.
The codes and rewards are already being activated across ‘Luck’ and ‘Spellbound’ apparel, home items, toys and games. Shoppers will be able to redeem ‘Luck’ offers, such as exclusive digital art by the production team.
“As look forward to our first animated feature premiere, we want to provide fans with fun, new experiences by extending our characters and stories through our merchandise,” said Luis Fernandez, Head of Consumer Products at Skydance Animation commented. “, We are delighted that Fabacus’ technology enables us to do this and engage with fans of ‘Luck’ and ‘Spellbound’ in a unique and data-driven way.”
“We are excited to be working with Skydance Animation and their licensing partners around the world,” said Andrew Xeni, CEO & Founder of Fabacus. “Not only are we accomplishing a foundation of quality data, we are broadening the possibilities for consumers to interact with new ‘Luck’ content and products. For us, it is about pushing the boundaries as part of our mission is to make the licensing industry more data driven.”
Launched in 2017, Skydance Animation is using the power of animation to create original stories for global audiences of all ages, set in fantastic new worlds with unforgettable characters. The studio’s inaugural Apple Original short film, ‘Blush,’ had its world premiere as part of the Tribeca Festival’s animated shorts program and is now streaming globally on Apple TV+. Following “Luck” is “Spellbound,” a new animated musical that follows a young girl who sets out to break the spell that has divided her kingdom in two. Directed by Vicky Jenson (‘Shrek’) Spellbound is written by Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin and Linda Woolverton, with original score from Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, and lyrics by Glenn Slater. Chris Montan serves as executive music producer.
Andrew Xeni formed Fabacus in 2016 to bring innovative ways of working to the retail and licensing landscape. Fabacus has since gone from strength to strength, working with a growing community of global partners, namely in the media and entertainment segment.
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About Fabacus
Fabacus is a global technology provider with a unique data service designed to digitally-transform the licensing industry. The business was founded by tech and retail entrepreneur Andrew Xeni and is backed by a number of financial institutions, including iNovia Partners, led by former CFO Google Patrick Pichette, as well as New Look founder Tom Singh. Fabacus plans to create a truly connected world of licensing through the power of data, facilitating deeper connectivity, visibility and trust across the value-chain, enabling decision-making to be based on a foundation of accurate master data.
About Skydance
Skydance is the diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create high-quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company first launched with Feature Films and has since strategically expanded to include Television, Interactive, Animation, New Media and Sports, with studios in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Spain and Canada. Skydance’s films includes the box office record-breaking Top Gun: Maverick, The Adam Project which debuted as the number one movie on Netflix, The Tomorrow War on Amazon Prime which became the number one streaming film upon its release, as well as the critically-acclaimed The Old Guard on Netflix. The studio’s upcoming film slate includes The Greatest Beer Run Ever, Ghosted, Heart of Stone, and the seventh and eighth installments of the Mission: Impossible global franchise. In total, Skydance’s films have earned more than $6 billion at the worldwide box office. Skydance Television is a leading supplier of premium scripted content across a range of platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+. The studio’s current slate includes the Emmy-nominated series Grace and Frankie, which became Netflix’s longest running series following the release of its final season earlier this year,as well as Foundation, Reacher, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Condor, The Big Door Prize and an untitled spy series starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first ever scripted television series. Skydance Interactive creates and publishes original and IP-based virtual reality and other immersive video games including the top-selling The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, which received several award nominations, including “Best VR/AR Game” at the 2020 Game Awards. Skydance New Media creates narratively focused interactive experiences crafted as original series, putting the audience at the center of the action and adventure, with the first production being with Marvel Entertainment. Skydance Sports develops premium scripted and unscripted sports-related content, documentaries and events. Skydance Animation develops and produces high-end feature films and television series with full production capability across two studios in Los Angeles and Madrid. The first two slated movies are Luck and Spellbound, the first short film is Blush, and the first series is Wondla, all premiering on Apple TV+. The Company’s investment partners include Tencent Holdings, Redbird Capital, CJ ENM, and the Ellison Family.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media. The company manages some of the world’s greatest athletes and fashion icons; owns and operates hundreds of live events
annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in licensing, sports training and league development. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global entertainment, sports and content company.
